“YWCA Brooklyn is thrilled to partner with the Amplify Her Foundation, which will help us to expand our YW Brooklyn LEAD program to ensure the young women of color we serve gain economic mobility by going into college, earning a bachelor’s degree and obtaining a meaningful career after graduation.”
— Martha Kamber, CEO & President, YWCA Brooklyn
MISSION
YWCA Brooklyn is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
GRANT PURPOSE & IMPACT
Amplify Her Foundation funding will support the YW Brooklyn LEAD program, a holistic college access and leadership program designed to level the playing field for girls of color from poverty-impacted communities by advancing their educational outcomes, promoting their economic empowerment and supporting their leadership development.
The program specifically targets girls from under-resourced schools who will be the first in their families to attend college. These girls face multiple barriers, including homelessness, poverty, single-parent households and other challenges that might limit their academic success. Beginning in 10th grade and continuing through college graduation, it provides academic support and tutoring, standardized test prep, and personalized college application assistance. Participants receive career development, financial literacy, and leadership training, as well as mentoring from professional women of color to gain exposure to career paths and internships.
Since its inception, YW Brooklyn LEAD has seen notable success, with 100% of participants graduating high school on time and being accepted to four-year colleges. SAT scores have improved by an average of 100 points, and 97% of college-enrolled students are on track to graduate. Graduates have gone on to pursue advanced degrees and meaningful careers. With support from the Amplify Her Foundation, the program will continue to empower girls of color, ensuring they achieve educational equity and become leaders in their communities.
